The least-squares finite element method (LSFEM) has many attractive characteristics such as the lack of an inf-supcondition and the resulting symmetric positive system of algebraic equations unlike Galerkin finite element method (GFEM). However, the higher continuity requirements for second-order terms in the governing equations force the introduction of additional unknowns through the use of an equivalent first-order system of equations or the use ofC continuous basis functions, limiting the application of LSFEM to large-scale practical problems. A novel finite element method is proposed...